Contractors Plan Heat Training

Joshua Stewart

Updated: 3 years ago.

The Georgia Branch of Associated General Contractors of America is calling for a “safety stand-down” Aug. 3. During the statewide work stoppage – lasting from 5 minutes to an hour, depending on the job site – supervisors and workers will learn how to spot heat illness and prevent it. (Photo Courtesy of Sebastian Niedlich via Flickr.)

During the statewide work stoppage – lasting from 5 minutes to an hour, depending on the job site – supervisors and workers will learn how to spot heat illness and prevent it.

Cherri Watson said she has already heard about several job-site changes during this year’s above-average temperatures.

“They’re having more-frequent breaks, making sure that water is plentiful, and they’ve actually started their job sites beginning at 6 in the morning, versus 7 or 7:30, just so that they’re missing the hottest part of the day,” said Watson, director of safety, education and workforce development at the Georgia branch of the AGC.

Watson said contractors have told her stories of workers fainting because of the high temperatures.